The rediscovery of Books & Historical Memorabilia, brought to you by Juan Martin
As a Spanish book collector, I’m always keeping an eye out for bibliographic jewels from the Iberian market.
Books have always been the co-protagonist of Juan’s life story. His father owned a small publishing house where Juan would work alongside his studies. In his free time, he would search for antique books in old book shops and antique markets around town. Among the dusty shelves of bookstores and libraries, Juan fell in love with old books on history, science and nature, magic, alchemy, freemasonry and occultism. Over the years, Juan worked at several leading Spanish publishers and auction houses, gradually becoming a professional trader in his own right. Now 25 years in, he has bought and sold countless libraries — sharing his special finds with collectors around the world. One of the rarest books to ever cross his desk? A 1725 book on vampirism entitled ‘De Masticatione Mortuorum in Tumulis’ by Michael Ranft, which he sold in Paris, to a peculiar gentleman dressed in all black, who didn’t say a word. Having been a top seller on Catawiki for over five years, Juan joined the Books & Historical Memorabilia team for a new chapter in his career, sharing his expertise through fascinating auctions. As part of his wealth of knowledge on antiquarian books, Juan specialises in early books printed in Spain as well as in books printed in the former Spanish territories in America during the XVI century.
Books have always been the co-protagonist of Juan’s life story. His father owned a small publishing house where Juan would work alongside his studies. In his free time, he would search for antique books in old book shops and antique markets around town. Among the dusty shelves of bookstores and libraries, Juan fell in love with old books on history, science and nature, magic, alchemy, freemasonry and occultism. Over the years, Juan worked at several leading Spanish publishers and auction houses, gradually becoming a professional trader in his own right. Now 25 years in, he has bought and sold countless libraries — sharing his special finds with collectors around the world. One of the rarest books to ever cross his desk? A 1725 book on vampirism entitled ‘De Masticatione Mortuorum in Tumulis’ by Michael Ranft, which he sold in Paris, to a peculiar gentleman dressed in all black, who didn’t say a word. Having been a top seller on Catawiki for over five years, Juan joined the Books & Historical Memorabilia team for a new chapter in his career, sharing his expertise through fascinating auctions. As part of his wealth of knowledge on antiquarian books, Juan specialises in early books printed in Spain as well as in books printed in the former Spanish territories in America during the XVI century.
- 25 years of experience buying and selling antiquarian books
- Experienced trader of maps, prints, multiples, posters, and historical photographs
- Expert in economic valuation of books and libraries
- Specialises in early books printed in Spain and in books printed in the former Spanish territories in America during the XVI century
- Consultant in binding and restoration
Books have always been the co-protagonist of Juan’s life story. His father owned a small publishing house where Juan would work alongside his studies. In his free time, he would search for antique books in old book shops and antique markets around town. Among the dusty shelves of bookstores and libraries, Juan fell in love with old books on history, science and nature, magic, alchemy, freemasonry and occultism. Over the years, Juan worked at several leading Spanish publishers and auction houses, gradually becoming a professional trader in his own right. Now 25 years in, he has bought and sold countless libraries — sharing his special finds with collectors around the world. One of the rarest books to ever cross his desk? A 1725 book on vampirism entitled ‘De Masticatione Mortuorum in Tumulis’ by Michael Ranft, which he sold in Paris, to a peculiar gentleman dressed in all black, who didn’t say a word. Having been a top seller on Catawiki for over five years, Juan joined the Books & Historical Memorabilia team for a new chapter in his career, sharing his expertise through fascinating auctions. As part of his wealth of knowledge on antiquarian books, Juan specialises in early books printed in Spain as well as in books printed in the former Spanish territories in America during the XVI century.
Books have always been the co-protagonist of Juan’s life story. His father owned a small publishing house where Juan would work alongside his studies. In his free time, he would search for antique books in old book shops and antique markets around town. Among the dusty shelves of bookstores and libraries, Juan fell in love with old books on history, science and nature, magic, alchemy, freemasonry and occultism. Over the years, Juan worked at several leading Spanish publishers and auction houses, gradually becoming a professional trader in his own right. Now 25 years in, he has bought and sold countless libraries — sharing his special finds with collectors around the world. One of the rarest books to ever cross his desk? A 1725 book on vampirism entitled ‘De Masticatione Mortuorum in Tumulis’ by Michael Ranft, which he sold in Paris, to a peculiar gentleman dressed in all black, who didn’t say a word. Having been a top seller on Catawiki for over five years, Juan joined the Books & Historical Memorabilia team for a new chapter in his career, sharing his expertise through fascinating auctions. As part of his wealth of knowledge on antiquarian books, Juan specialises in early books printed in Spain as well as in books printed in the former Spanish territories in America during the XVI century.